Black Thrive Global’s virtual screening event of episode 1 on the 3rd June 2021 was a resounding success, the live panel Q&A proving an excellent medium for an intimate, honest and shared discussion on mental health.
The Me You Can’t See, currently available on Apple TV+, explores the state of emotional wellbeing and mental health around the world. Co-producers Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry host the docuseries where celebrities, experts and people from all walks of life reveal lived and professional experiences of living with the issues. Dr Jacqui Dyer collaborated on the series and shares some of her experiences of working with the famous hosts during the live Q&A.
She’s on the panel alongside Professor Kevin Fenton, presenter Shahlaa Tahira and writer Nathaniel Cole. Black Thrive Director Lela Kogbara hosts and presents the viewers’ comments and questions. There’s a particular focus on mental health in the Black community, discussing the effects of racism, ineffective health services, stigma and other factors.
They also talk about the consequences and impact of poor mental health on Black society, plus possible solutions to resolve issues and improve services for people affected.
You can catch up with the live Q&A on the Black Thrive YouTube channel plus don’t forget that Dr Jacqui Dyer also appears on episode 6 of the series, available on Apple TV+.
The live panel Q&A (above). Click Play to watch.
Hosted by Black Thrive Director Lela Kogbara, our panelists for this special live event were:
Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE
Jacqui is an independent health and social care consultant, with lived experience, and a background in adult mental health commissioning as well as community and family social work. Jacqui was vice-chair of England’s Mental Health Taskforce, which collaboratively developed the 5 Year Forward View for Mental Health (NHSE) and its transformation of mental health service policy and provision. Its focus on reducing mental health inequalities was further strengthened in the NHS Long Term Plan for Mental Health. Jacqui has co-led the Mayoral ‘Thrive London’ since its inception. Jacqui is an elected Councillor and previously jointly held the health and adult social care cabinet portfolio.
Read more about Dr. Jacqui Dyer MBE and her experience on the series HERE.
Shahlaa Tahira
Shahlaa is an award-winning presenter, Producer, DJ, Radio Teacher and Events Manager. She currently presents and produces on BBC Radio 1Xtra Talks, alongside producing Celebrity Podcasts for SONY and BBC. She is an advisor to the SRA (Student Radio Association) and teaches Radio at Roundhouse, the Global Academy and her online training platform Odd Motion. In her free time she continues to DJ, produce and present her own podcast, create content and events. With names like Reprezent Radio, BBC, 4Music, Rinse FM and CapitalXtra on her CV, her transferable skills are endless.
Professor Kevin Fenton
Kevin is Regional Director, PHE London and Regional Director of Public Health, NHS London. He has worked in a variety of public health roles across government and academia in the UK and internationally and became London’s PHE Regional Director of Public Health and NHS in April 2020. He is the statutory public health advisor to the Mayor of London and provides leadership across London for health, prevention of ill health, health protection and reduction of health inequalities. Amongst many other accolades, Kevin was named by Powerlist as the second most influential black person in Britain for his work leading the fight against coronavirus and his public health leadership on tackling inequalities.
Nathaniel Cole
Nathaniel is a writer and workshop facilitator working across masculinity, mental health, relationships & sex education for young people and diversity & inclusion. He is also the co-founder of Swim Dem Crew – a group that uses swimming and community building as a tool to empower people and create resilient communities.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can find some resources HERE (Suggested by Apple TV).
